Patent GB-1467516-A (GB)
Title: Mechanisms for connecting and disconnecting the service lines of tractor-semitrailer combinations
IPC: B62D53/12
Filed: 1974-03-05
Abstract: 1467516 Fifth wheel couplings KALMAR VERKSTADS AB 5 March 1974 [6 March 1973] 9804/74 Heading B7T A tractor and semitrailer connectable by means of a fifth wheel on the tractor and a cooperable king pin on the semitrailer are provided with disconnectable coupling means for releasably connecting electric and air service lines of the tractor with corresponding service lines of the semitrailer, the disconnectable coupling means comprising a connector mounted on the tractor at a distance from the fifth wheel centre and a connector mounted on the semitrailer at a distance from the king pin, one of the connectors being movable, relative to the tractor or trailer on which it is mounted, along a part-circular path about the fifth wheel centre axis or about the king pin axis so as to accommodate articulation of the tractor and semitrailer in use, and one of the connectors being movable between an inoperative position and an operative position in which it is connected to the other connector. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a connector 4 is carried by a plate 5 pivotally mounted on a fifth wheel 1. A spring-loaded ball 10 facilitates correct angular positioning of the plate 5 relative to the fifth wheel. The connector 4 may be moved upwards for connection with a co-operating connector carried by the semitrailer. In a modification of the Fig. 1 embodiment, the connector of the semitrailer is vertically movable and the connector 4 is vertically fixed. In a further modification of the Fig. 1 embodiment, the connector of the semitrailer may be movable along a partcircular path. In a still further modification of the Fig. 1 embodiment, the connector 4 can be mounted on a support slidable in an arcuate guide slot 9. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the connector 4 comprises air service line connector elements 19 and electric service line connector elements 19<SP>1</SP>, and is mounted on a pivotal plate 5 at a sufficiently low position to allow a king pin 3 to pass over the connector 4 during coupling of the fifth wheel and king pin. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, a connector 27 carried in a part 26 of the semitrailer, is arranged for connection with a connector carried by a cam 37 associated with the fifth wheel of the tractor. The cam 37 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 34 carried by a ring 5<SP>1</SP> pivotally supported in the fifth wheel by means of bearings 30, 31. The fifth wheel is provided with a king pin locking jaw 39 moved towards a locking position as the king pin 3 moves into the fifth wheel by engagement of a portion 45 of the locking jaw with the king pin 3. A link 43 interconnects the cam 37 and locking jaw 39 so that the cam 37 and connector thereon are automatically raised as the locking jaw moves to its locking position. The locking jaw 39 is retained in its locking position by means of a pair of latches 40 operably coupled with the piston of a spring-loaded cylinder 46. In a modification (Fig. 6, not shown) of the Fig. 5 embodiment, the link 43 is dispensed with and an additional piston and cylinder device is provided for moving the cam 37 and the connector carried thereon.